Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh has expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming elections for the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), aiming to bring transparency, stability, and greater international exposure to Indian boxing.
His declaration comes at a time when the BFI is being run by an ad-hoc committee, appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), due to administrative challenges and legal complications.
BFI’s Administrative Crisis and the Role of the Ad-Hoc Committee
The Boxing Federation of India has been facing governance issues, leading to the intervention of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The tenure of the current BFI office-bearers ended on February 2, 2025, but due to an ongoing legal dispute over the previous elections, fresh elections could not be conducted.
Recognizing the need for stability, the IOA formed a five-member ad-hoc committee on Monday to oversee the federations daily affairs and ensure the participation of Indian boxers in international events.
Among the members of this committee is senior boxer Shiva Thapa. The committee has also been tasked with resolving grievances within the boxing community and ensuring smooth elections at the earliest.
Vijender Singh’s Vision for Indian Boxing
Vijender Singh, India’s first Olympic medalist in boxing, has been vocal about the need for reforms in the BFI. He has called for fresh elections and a strong, transparent federation that prioritizes the interests of athletes.
Speaking about his interest in contesting the BFI elections, Vijender told IANS:
Absolutely! I would like to contest in the elections (BFI) whenever they take place. Whether the members support me or not is a matter for the future; what matters is my passion for boxing and my dedication to promoting it.
Vijender believes that for India to succeed at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, boxers need more exposure to international competitions. He took to social media to emphasize this point, stating:
Given the progress our country is making in sports, I firmly believe that Indian boxers require more international exposure in competitions to secure medals at the LA Olympics 2028.
He further urged for immediate and fair elections in the BFI to ensure that Indian boxing remains on the right track. Addressing the Indian Prime Ministers Office and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, he added: To achieve this, we need to conduct fresh and fair elections as soon as possible to build a strong federation. I would be more than happy to lend my experience if entrusted with any responsibilities by our government.
Why Vijender’s Entry into BFI Politics Matters
Vijender Singh’s entry into BFI’s electoral race could mark a turning point in Indian boxing governance. His stature as an Olympic medalist and professional boxing champion makes him a credible and influential figure in the sport.
His vision aligns with the growing demand for reforms in Indian sports federations, where athletes are increasingly
